Look Ma, No Holes!

So I've not always been so in love with short row heels but this one, this one makes me weak in the knees.

Love Is Grand

This arrived in the mail for me yesterday. It's a second package from my SP13 pal. It includes some great gingerbread tubby goodies as well as some Breathe lotion and cream. Things have been very stressful here lately and boy do I ever need to Breathe. :-) Also included were some gorgeous stitch markers handcrafted by my pal and her hubby, a magnet from her recent trip to Cabo, Interlacements Tiny Toes, and Heavyweight Socks that Rock in Rocktober. Yum! Not pictured but also included are 3 great books...Baby Beanies, Scrumptious Toppers for Tots & Toddlers, AND Drunk, Divorced, and Covered in Cat Hair. OMG!!! I stayed up until 1 this morning reading this book by Crazy Aunt Purl. I assumed with a title like this there would be laughs-a-plenty. And there was. There were also some tears which I totally didn't see coming. Awesome, awesome book. If you've not read it you really should. Last but certainly not least...there were socks!!!

When I opened the socks knit just for me out of Socks That Rock I cried like a little girl. Nobody has ever knit me socks before.

I put them on immediately. They fit perfectly and are so warm and squishy. I've fallen head over heels in love with my pal. Thank you again pal, from the very bottom of my heart...and soles!!!

Blueberry Pancakes

You Are Blueberry Pancakes

You prefer flavorful, fresh foods that are well seasoned. You shy away from anything plain or overcooked. It's not likely someone would find a lot of cheap convenience foods in your kitchen. Instead, someone might find a wide array of spices, herbs, and flavorings.

What Kind of Pancakes Are You?

I found this over at Stash-N-Stitch and just had to give it a try. Leave a note in the comments if you do it and let me know how close it was. I have to say that this is pretty much spot on for me.

Quite

Fetching.

Pattern: Fetching by Cheryl Niamath

Yarn: Dream in Color Classy in Wisterious purchased at Adirondack Yarns

Needles: US 6

Mods: Added extra repeats of the cables to both the beginning and end.

I can't wait to try these out on the playground next week!

Finally

I finished the sweater for Dudette last week. It took all weekend for the fool thing to dry because our room is so cold. And then I once again had to wait for my model to be in a modeling kind of mood. Sheesh.

She loves the sweater and can't wait to wear it. She asked if she might be able to wear it for gym day. I suggested she wait until the weekend. We'll see who wins the war.

Oh, I've been meaning to share a funny little tidbit of info...I started this sweater 2 years ago on the needle recommended and was getting gauge. When I picked it back up I was WAY off. I went down a needle size and was still off but not by enough to warrant going down another. It's amazing to me how much I've relaxed in my knitting. What a difference a couple years can make. :-)

I Did It. Did You?

I stole this from Robin. The things I've done are bold. How about you? What have you done?

1. Started my own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than I can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sung a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched lightening at sea
14. Taught myself art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown my own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of my ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught myself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing (indoor)
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had my portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had my picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Rode an elephant

Freebie For Your Feet

I designed this pattern for the Sockathon group over on Yahoo and it was featured last month.


I'm not sure if anyone ended up knitting it or not as I've not seen any in progress or finished photos for it but I know several people really liked it. I'm hoping that the lack of photos from the group is only because it was introduced during the crazy busy holiday season.

If you want to knit it you can find it on Ravelry as a free download or you can email me and I'll send you the pdf. :-)

Something Fishy

Well, it was supposed to be for my friend's grandson but Dailaesse batted her sweet little eyes and asked if she could pretty please try it on just to see if it fit.

I know kids are all head but there's no way this would fit a little guy who's not quite a year old yet.

I thought changing the original pattern (worsted weight on size US 7 needles) to that of my own (dk weight on US 5 needles) would work out perfectly. Not.

So now it's back to the drawing board. Guess I'll just have to decrease the number of stitches cast on and fiddle with the rest of the numbers to get a smaller size.

It's all good though because I'm totally looking forward to knitting more of these.

Dead or Alive

Since I'm waiting for the yarn for the sweater to arrive before I can finish it I thought it only fair for me to be able to cast on a new project. This is the Fish Hat (Dead or Alive) from Knitty and it's so cute! I'm knitting this one in some old Patons Astra that was WAY back in the yarn closet. I don't really care for knitting with it but I wanted something that would be machine wash and dry as it's going to a home that might not want to fiddle with anything but. Plus it's for a toddler and I know it will be outgrown quickly and the original pattern looks large on most of the adult heads I've seen it on. I'm hoping to finish this up soon. Although I cast on a new pair of Fetching today. Now the fish is on the back burner. HA!

Memory Lane

Remember this?

Of course you don't. Know why? Because I started it 2 years ago, worked on it for 2 days, then stuck it in the bin of doom. I don't know why I put it there. It certainly didn't deserve to be tucked away. It's a fine sweater.

For some reason I've been in a finishing sort of mood lately. So I pulled it out the other night and sat down to finish it.

See that? I'm 5 rows from the end of the sleeve and I have about 1.5 feet of yarn left. Thankfully I found a nice lady on Ravelry who had a hank of the same yarn I need in her destash list. We worked out a trade and the yarn is on its way to me today. I can't wait to get this finished and Dudette can't wait to wear it!

New & Improved

My favorite LYS has a brand new blog! I'm really excited about helping out with it. I hope you'll take a minute to stop by and hopefully give us some ideas on what you think would be fun to see. Maybe an advice or fix-it day? FO day? Come share your ideas!

2009

There's a Storm Brewing

Dan recently requested some socks in our school colors.







This Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock from The Loopy Ewe in their Loopy Ewe Mini Stripes fit the bill perfectly. One down, one to go.

Hubby Hat

I've been wanting to knit another Polly Wolly Doodle for quite some time now. So I did.

This one is for Bran. It was supposed to be for my dad but he wrinkled his nose when he saw. Pain in the ass. I don't know what the man has against cables.

Merry Christmas

Photo Shoot

Sorry to make you all wait until today for pictures of the other sweater but I had to schedule the photo shoot around the model. You know how high maintenance they can be.

This is the size 4. It's a tad short in the arms on her. I'm glad the one I started her last year is a size 6. Or at least I hope it is. Guess I better go dig that out and finish it up huh?

The Pits

Ok, so way back on the 2nd I started writing a post about how I had the red sweater all the way to the pits but found a stupid mistake which required ripping all the way back to the ribbing. After that, I had a hard time getting back into the damn thing. Then all the holiday stuff started creaping in and things really stalled. Last Friday was a Christmas party for Bran's work and then Saturday I was volunteered to go shopping after my mother invited the girls to go with her. I would have loved it had I not had a ton of knitting sitting at home for me. Ugh.



Not sure what was up with the grumpy puss. She was actually quite happy.

I'm quite please with how this turned out. I've been really working on my finishing and I feel like it gets better each time I attempt it. The little blue sweater is also done but you'll have to wait until tomorrow for that.

Toasty Tootsies

I finished up the second sock of the nice warm pair I was knitting for Daddy. I wasn't at all sure he'd like the heavier weight of the worsted yarn so I took the first one over when I finished it. It was an instant hit. So I of course wanted to quickly finish the second. But the little snowflake sweaters presented themselves. So I worked on Daddy's second sock for a couple minutes here and there just to take the edge off.


I closed the toe last night and brought them over today. He's thrilled and so am I. I've been under an enormous amount of stress lately and it felt so good to have something finished. Closure. It does a body good.

SALE! SALE! SALE!

I know you've all been just dying to knit my patterns so in the spirit of the holiday, I've reduced them all to $1 for the entire month of December! They're over there in the right side bar if you're interested. :-)

Happy Holidays!

That's what my super awesome SP13 had to say when this arrived:



This HUGE box of goodies arrived yesterday from my pal. It contains:

4 gorgeous skeins of Nordic Lites Lace Weight wool in Lilac
Interlacements Tiny Toes II in Sock Gang
A Treasury of Magical Knitting (not pictured)
A Second Treasury of Knitting (not pictured)
New Pathways for Sock Knitters (not pictured)
Fall 2008 Interweave Knits (not pictured)
November 2008 Simply Knitting along with the 2009 Simply Knitting Calendar (not pictured)
Clover Antique Needle Holder Charms
Clover Antique Point Protectors
Clover Knitting Register
Clover Bamboo DPNS in US 1 (2.25mm)
ViewTainer
Gingerbread Men Earrings
Rhinestone Cross Necklace and Earrings
Crocheted Butterfly

Wow! Thanks so much for spoiling me like crazy pal!

Christmas MeMe

I snagged this from Got Gauge. Thanks for the fun Phyl!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?

Well, I love gift bags because they're quick and easy and I suck at wrapping but for the kids I always use wrapping paper.

2. Real tree or Artificial?

Unfortunately, artificial. I have pretty bad allergies so real trees are tough. I used to be able to tolerate them for a week or so but since we've added the cat and the lab to the family they are totally out of the question.

3. When do you put up the tree?

Always after Thanksgiving. Sometimes not until a week before Christmas.

4. When do you take the tree down?

The day after Christmas. We have a small house.

5. Do you like eggnog?

No. But I do like McDonald's new Egg Nog milkshake. Yum.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?

My 4 Wheeler.

7. Hardest person to buy for?

Daddy.

8. Easiest person to buy for?

Dailaesse. She loves everything.

9. Do you have a nativity scene?

We do.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?

Always mail.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?

A toilet paper holder from my MIL. Yeah.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?

The Santa Claus movies with Tim Allen.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?

A day or 2 before Christmas. Doesn't everyone?

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?

Nope. Too afraid I'd get caught.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?

Reeses Peanut Butter Trees!!!

16. Lights on the tree?

Small white twinkle lights and big primary colored solids.

17. Favorite Christmas song?

Merry Christmas from the Family

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?

We used to travel to my MIL but then she gave me a toilet paper holder. hehe

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's?

Nope. I figure I've made it this long without being able to so what's the point in doing it now.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?

Usually our angel but sometimes the star.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?

Christmas Eve with my parents and Christmas morning at home.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?

Crowded stores!

23. Favorite ornament theme or color?

I love all blue lights, just not in my house or yard. LOL

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?

Some sort of beef or ham. This year we'll be dining on a prime rib roast.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?

Peace on Earth, good health and happiness for my family and friends, and yarn.

26. Who is most likely to respond to this?

If you post this to your blog leave me a comment with a link!

27. Who is least likely to respond to this?

I have no idea. Really.

28. Favorite thing about Christmas?

Seeing the kids light up. Their faces. Not cigarettes.

It's Limp and It Makes Me Loose

I told you I'd review the new Kollage square circulars today and that about sums it up in a nutshell.





I've never used a needle with a more flexible cable. Normally flexible is good when you're working Magic Loop but in this case, not so much. The cables are flopping around all loosey-goosey and twisting around to beat the band as they hang on the sides in anything but a loop form. To be fair, I ordered the 40" US 1 (2.25mm) and 40" US 2 (2.5mm) and I'm going to go out on a limb here and assume (damn I hate to do that) that the cable thickness will grow with the needle size thereby adding some stiffness to the cable as the needle size increases. These smaller size needles in combination with the limp cable just aren't cutting it for me when trying to knit socks ala ML. I will confess that the more I use them the quicker I'm knitting but I think the speed comes with anything you do over and over. It doesn't make me like them any better. The join is also not smooth at all. At least not on the 2 needles I have. Couple that with the limp cable and well, it's just not good. I'm pulling up loops through the center of the line of stitches to be knit.

It's not all bad though. The one thing I really love about these needles is their shape. As you know, I normally have a problem with being tight. These have drastically changed that. I was quite surprised by this since when I ordered there was a blurb about ordering up a size as most knitters found they had to do this to make gauge with the needles. Not me. I was shocked.

So, would I buy more of these needles? Definitely not for Magic Loop. I might try a couple of the 24" lengths for sweaters though. I really do love that it's hip to knit square.

Almost forgot...Leslie asked if I hadn't tried the Harmony wooden needles. I haven't. I can only assume (there I go again) that since you asked they must have a nice cable and a smooth join. Do tell sweetie. :-)

Oh, Oh, Oh It's Magic

You know.

I had really hoped to have this second snowflake sweater to the armholes by last night but as you can clearly see, I didn't make it. In my defense, I have managed to get 2,697,318 loads of laundry done. I've done several more loads today and am now about ready to go pick the sweater back up. With any luck I'll get it to the armholes and compete the back today. Small goals. That's what I need.

Q: Knitterman asked if I would pick up and knit the sleeves downward or if I would knit them cuff-up and then set them in.

A: I would love to be able to pick up and knit downward but the stitches would then be upside down from those in the body of the sweater. Right? I'm thinking that since there are those damn little white stitches here and there that the direction of the knitting would make a difference. If I'm wrong PLEASE tell me now because I would love nothing more than to not have to set the sleeves in.

Q: Leslie says she's surprised to hear me talk about 2 short circs since I was the one who gave her her first 40" needle.

A: Would everyone please hum the tune to "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing" as I respond?

I'd like to buy the world a needle, a 40" circular needle.

I'd like to buy the world a needle and teach it Magic Loop.

That's the song I sing.

Let the world knit today.

He he. ;-)

Leslie dear, I am still crazy, head over heels in love with Magic Loop. The needles I ordered are a US 3 and 7. One for the ribbing and one for the body of the sleeve. I went with the shorter needles instead of one long circ for ML because I'm knitting with acrylic and I just can't stand the way the acrylic grinds across metal needles like nails across a chalkboard. Since I've not found any wooden circulars with a cable that I feel are flexible enough for ML or with a smooth enough join, I resorted to 8" and 9" circs. Not my first choice by any means but it will beat having to knit them flat and seaming them after.

And speaking of flexible cables and smooth joins, be sure to tune in tomorrow when I review the new Kollage square circs.

Could It Be

a vest?

I decided to try my hand at working this sweater in the round instead of in pieces. I've always been somewhat afraid of this because I've heard so many people say that you can be in big trouble when it comes to splitting for the front and back and you have to start working back and forth rather than in the round. So far, so good. Now I'm so excited about working in the round that I've ordered a couple really short circulars so I can knit the sleeves the same way. If they don't arrive in time do you think I could convince the lady who I'm knitting them for that she'd rather have ski vests instead of the ski sweaters she asked for? I didn't think so either.

Happy Thanksgiving

GOBBLE. GOBBLE.

Happy, Happy

Bran and I were married 8 years ago today. Most days it feels like yesterday. Very seldom does it feel like more. I guess that what makes it work so well. That and the fact that I only occassionally want to kill him while he sleeps. ;-)

Happy anniversary honey! You still rock my world!

Road Trip

The boys won the game again this weekend so we're off to Kingston!!!

If they win there we go all the way to the Carrier Dome in Syracuse for the state championship. Keep your fingers crossed!

Tra La La

Trellis. Done and delivered. The color is accurate in the close up. I hope they like it as much as I do.

Twenty (four) Questions

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I love natural fibers. Acrylic makes my teeth hurt but I've been known to use it for some of my kids knits when I know the item will be going to someone who might not be inclined to hand wash. I think anyone who willingly knits with fun fur or any other overdone novelty yarn should be forced to wear a patchwork poncho knit from them for the rest of their life. Sock yarns tend to be my favorites (Socks That Rock kicks ass!) but I also love wools (the newer superwash wools are awesome) in varying weights with the exception of bulky and worsted weight tends to be the heaviest I normally knit with. I also adore laceweight in solid and heathered shades.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I have a binder with all of my older and cheaper circulars. My Addi Turbo needles are in their own separate quilted case as are my straights. My crochet hooks are in a leather zippered case.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I've been knitting for close to 20 years now. I taught myself by watching the "Keeping You In Stitches" video I bought at a department store. I'd say I'm probably close to advanced.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

I have a list at The Loopy Ewe.

5. What's your favorite scent?

Cinnamon.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

I love Green & Black milk chocolate.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I crochet and cross stitch but not nearly as much as I knit. I don't spin yet. I wanted to learn but my desire isn't as strong as I thought as I've not been able to stick with it.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

I love country and 80's rock.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

My favorite color is blue. I like most other colors with the exception of some browns.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I live with my 3 amazing kids, ages 17, 13, and 5. My wonderful hubby and I will celebrate our 8th anniversary on November 25th. We have a Shih Tzu and cat who are both almost 4 and a 15 month old black lab.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

I would wear mittens if I had them. I don't wear scarves or hats. I'm only 4' 11" so ponchos just look absolutely ridiculous on me but I also think they look absolutely ridiculous on most everybody.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

Socks.

13. What are you knitting right now?

Socks. Sweaters. Hats. Mittens. Afghans.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Absolutely.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

I love circulars. My favorites used to be Addi Turbos but I've really taken a shine to the metal HiYa HiYa needles. When I knit with acrylic I much prefer wood.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

Both.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

It's so old that I can't remember how old it is.

18. What is your favorite holiday? What winter holiday do you observe?

My favorite holiday is Halloween. We celebrate Christmas.

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Yarn. Patterns. Needles.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I'm dying to get my hands on some Wollmeise. I have a subscription to Interweave Knits.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

Mobius.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

Yes. My foot measures 9.25" long.

23. When is your birthday?

April 16th.

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?

I am and kerryknits is my ID.

Bran & I Did It

Right in our town hall.

Progress

I started this little Trellis sweater last week and am really cranking on it. So far I've completed the back (which was almost finished in the photo above) as well as the left front. I'm now more than half finished with the right front and I can't wait to get it finished up and gifted to it's new owner.

Duder's Dale

From the Dalegarn book #148. This is pattern nr. 12 and is worked with 3 colors of sport yarn. The pattern calls for Falk but I improvised. Next up, some matching mittens most likely missing the cute little pattern since all those floats and little hands won't mix. Damn, could I get any more m words in that run-on sentence?

Holiday Cash

I really hate begging on the blog but here I am doing it. Duder goes to St. Bernard's School. It's a small Catholic school (all religions are welcome, however) with small classes and amazing teachers. The largest class this year has 15 children and Duder's kindergarten class has just 10 students with a teacher and assistant for the class. They do tons of stuff with the kids and are patient and loving beyond belief. Because they are a private school they depend on donations to fund a huge part of the expense of operating the school. So here comes the begging...

Each year the school does a Holiday Calendar Lottery. Tickets are $10 each but every day beginning Thanksgiving Day and ending New Year's Day, a ticket is drawn from the barrel. If your ticket is drawn it gets put back in the barrel for more chances to win. Prizes are typically $50 a day throughout the week (although there are 2 days where they are $20.08 or $28) with weekends being $100 a day (again, 2 days where they are $29 or $30). Thanksgiving is $250 and Christmas and New Year's Day are $500 each. So there's a chance to win up to $3207.08 in prizes.

Since I'm begging you to buy a ticket to help support this amazing school I thought it only fair to give something in return. I will send everyone who purchases a ticket my pattern for the Trinity Sunrise bag over there in the sidebar. But wait, that's not all. At the beginning of January, I will draw a name and give the winner the yarn to knit the bag. Color choices will depend on what the LYS has in stock but there will be a choice. If you purchase more than 1 ticket you get more than one chance to win the yarn. How's that?

If you'd like to play along let me know and I'll shoot you my address so you can send a check or money order made payable to St. Bernard's School.

Duder and I thank you for your support! :-)

Pretty In Pink

I knit this little BSJ last month for Dan's boss. He and his wife had their first grandbaby around the end of September. I used the modification for the Blouson Sleeves and love the outcome. I will totally knit it like this again. I used Fleece Artist Merino Sock and a size 4 Addi Turbo. Next time I'll use a contrasting color for the cuffs and maybe an i-cord border. Too much fun!

Shhhhh...

Secret Pal 13 opened Wednesday.

There are a couple minor changes to the rules so please be sure to read through them if you think you'd like to join. :-)

Boring

Some plain jane grey socks. Knit for Daddy. Because he loves my socks.

Making a Splash

Might I present my latest FO?

From Miss Bea's Colours by Louisa Harding knit in Jaeger Matchmaker Merino DK color #656.

I love this sweater. I hated knitting this sweater. The chart was a real pain in the ass to work from since it had all 3 or 4 sizes in one spot with different colored lines to represent each size. Couple that with the fact that the sleeve charting was placed in the center of the back and front charts and well...it was a pain in the ass. Definitely not a pattern for knitting in the car. But I love the way it turned out. It's a really nice pattern. Wish I had the patience to knit it again.

Carefree Holiday Knitting

Take a look at this awesome KAL for some stress free holiday knitting. There are prizes and lots of great people to help encourage you to complete your projects.

I'm going to knit a vest for my dad that I wanted to do last year but never got around to. I can't wait to get started on the 1st!

A Word From My Sponsor

Conversations with Mr. Kerry Knits:



Me: What is your favourite thing about my knitting?

Mr. Kerry Knits: Custom fit socks.


Me: What is your least favourite thing about my knitting?

Mr. Kerry Knits: Too much yarn.


Me: What is something I have knitted that you recall as good?

Mr. Kerry Knits: Everything.


Me: Do you think knitters have an expensive hobby?

Mr. Kerry Knits: Yes.


Me: Do you have any hobbies?

Mr. Kerry Knits: Cars.


Me: Do you have a stash of any kind?

Mr. Kerry Knits: Car parts.


Me: Have I ever embarrassed you, knitting in public?

Mr. Kerry Knits: No.


Me: Do you know my favourite kind of yarn?

Mr. Kerry Knits: Sock yarn.


Me: Can you name another knit blog?

Mr. Kerry Knits: QueerJoe.


Me: Do you mind my wanting to stop at knit shops wherever we go?

Mr. Kerry Knits: No.



Me: Do you understand the importance of a swatch?

Mr. Kerry Knits: I don't even know what it is.


Me: Do you read my blog?

Mr. Kerry Knits: No.



Me: Have you ever left a comment?

Mr. Kerry Knits: No.



Me: Do you think the house would be cleaner if I didn't knit?

Mr. Kerry Knits: No.


Me: Anything you'd like to add?

Mr. Kerry Knits: No.

What a Phony

This is my first attempt at a Fake Isle. I love the pattern and had a great time knitting it. It won't be my last but I will make some modifications on my next one. I already shortened this one but I suspect it's still going to be too long. I'll also change the rib from 3x1 to 2x2 on the next one. I'm hoping to deliver it to my Aunt Noreen this week. If it's too long I think I might turn the rib and stitch it to the inside of the hat. Keep your fingers crossed.

Wowza

Where in the world has the last month gone??? I always think for some reason that summer is going to be less busy and chaotic than the school year. Right.

So, we bought a new van...

She is a 2008 Town & Country Limited and has 2 DVD/TV screens, navigation, hands free phone, backup alarm and camera, swivel seats, a table, and I'm head over heels in love with her. I can see us keeping her until her wheels fall off.

I got a new phone...

The Blackberry Curve in silver. I started with the Blackberry Pearl in pink but found it too hard for my poor text-challenged fingers to work. I can't begin to tell you how much I love my phone. It's awesome. The clarity is amazing and the capabilities are to dye for.

Bet you're thinking I've not done any knitting though huh? Well I have. Just look...

This is a little hat I knit for Darcie. It's knit in Catalina Chunky Baby Alpaca and takes less than 2 skeins. You hold the yarn doubled and knit on a size 11. Can you say 1 nite knit?

These are the Thuja socks I started for Daddy a really long time ago. They're finally finished and on his feet. He loves them. I knit these from Mountain Colors Bearfoot that I purchased from a fellow Ravelry user.And this is Girly from Wee Knits 3. What a fun knit this was! I never would have chosen these colors on my own but they work so well together. It's such a sweet sweater. I knit the 6 month size in the Mission Falls 1824 Cotton as called for in the pattern. Love it! I think I just might hang on to this one and donate it to the auction for St. Bernard's this year since the bag was such a hit.

Those are just the few projects I've actually finished since last time. There's lots more that's been cast on and I'll be sharing them soon.

I'm working on putting together a Mystery Sock/Fingerless Glove Knit A Long. We'll be starting on the 18th of this month and Sue will be offering a sweet discount on Tofutsie yarn for it. You can also knit from stash for this one so if you'd like to join just drop me a note to get signed up!

I hope you're all having a wonderful summer! I'd love to hear what everyone else has been knitting (or not)!